Army units deployed in north Lebanon city to end clashes

Published July 10th, 2008 - 09:22 GMT

Lebanese forces deployed in districts of the northern city of Tripoli on Thursday, ending 24 hours of sectarian clashes that killed four people and in

Lebanese forces deployed in districts of the northern city of Tripoli on Thursday, ending 24 hours of sectarian clashes that killed four people and injured 75. The military moved in after religious and political leaders of the city brokered a ceasefire agreement between Sunni supporters of the government and Alawite gunmen close to the opposition, led by Hizbullah.

The Mufti of Tripoli Sheikh Malek Shaar said a "decisive agreement" has been concluded with the approval of all factions for the army deployment in the Baal Mohsen district. "The move is requested by representatives of Baal Mohsen," Shaar said. "When the army deploys in the area it would be responsible for protecting it," Sheikh Shaar was quoted as saying by Naharnet.

The fighting between the Sunni Bab Tibbaneh district and Alawite Jabal Mohsen district had erupted overnight on Wednesday and continued late into the night. According to Reuters, scores of families had fled the hotspots and sought shelter in other parts of Tripoli.